Can Running In The Cold Freeze Your Lungs?

EndurElite Chief Endurance Officer Matt Mosman discusses why it is impossible for your lungs to freeze when running, biking, or doing other exercises in the extreme cold.

Can Your Lungs Freeze By Breathing In Cold Air?

  • Ever wonder if it’s possible to freeze your lungs when exercising in the extreme cold? Short and sweet answer...it’s nearly impossible...here’s why.
  • There are blood vessels in your nose, mouth, and throat that release heat and warm the cold air as you breathe it in.
  • Additionally, the mucus found in these areas also helps warm & humidify the air.
  • Even if cold air did hit the lungs, there is such a huge supply of blood to the lungs that releases heat that there is absolutely no way that air would be cold enough to freeze your lungs.